In a spectacular opening ceremony in front of 80,000 spectactors and millions of people watching on TV, last night, the Queen officially opened the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
In a dazzling and moving spectacle embracing a theme of ‘enlightenment’, an inclusive and diverse variety of artists, performers and musicians paid homage to the science and humanity of the Paralympic Games. Sebastian Coe and Sir Philip Craven welcomed the Paralympic Games back to their spiritual home and paid tribute to the visionary work of Sir Ludwig Guttman.
Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the UK’s leading scientists played a starring role in last night’s performance, alongside Sir Ian McKellan and Nicola Miles-Wildin.
Royal Marine Commando Joe Townsend, a future Paralympic athlete held the Paralympic Flame up high as he spectacularly glided into the Olympic Stadium along a zip-wire. The now iconic Paralympic cauldron was then lit by Margaret Maughan, an 84 year old, who was Britain’s first ever Paralympic gold medallist.
A massive round of applause must to go to all the volunteers and performers who made last night so special, and also to artistic directors Bradley Hemmings and Jenny Sealey who continued the now established British tradition of holding fantastic opening ceremonies.
Disability Horizons was in the thick of the action (as always!) last night, tweeting and posting live from inside the Opening Ceremony, courtesy of volunteer Sarada Chunduri-Shoesmith (@saradachunshoe).
Check out our gallery of images taken by Adam Shoesmith (@Isnt_this_it) of an Opening Ceremony that will undoubtedly serve to inspire a generation.
Click the image below to open the gallery
[EasyGallery id=’openingceremony|paralympics’]
Check out…
• Our definitive guide to the Paralympics.
• The Paralympic Games are here! Find out about the history and the future of the Games.
• Olympic torch relay: one runner’s story.
Let us know how you’re celebrating the Paralympic Games and what disability sport you’re involved in – email us at editor@97c.026.myftpupload.com, tweet us @DHorizons or send us a message on Facebook. Share your experiences with our community for a monumental Summer 2012!
